The Tuesday Afternoon Bible Study - Acts 23

The Tuesday Afternoon Bible Study - Acts 23 Acts 21-28 encompass several years, covering a long period of time in which Paul is always in captivity. Chapters 21-23 tell the first episode in this period, where Paul’s life is threatened three times. Paul has returned to Jerusalem, where so long ago (back in ch 8) he launched his persecution again Christians. Paul’s presence in the temple causes an angry mob to seize him, bringing Roman soldiers to keep the peace, and thus saving him. When the soldiers learn that Paul is a Roman citizen, this allows him a favored status. Allowed to speak to the Jews, in ch 22 Paul offers his defense. After his speech, the Roman tribune in charge wants to understand more about these charges leveled against Paul by the Jews. He orders Paul to speak before Jerusalem’s high-ranking Jewish leaders (sometimes referred to by the Greek word for council, Sanhedrin.) Ch 23 tells of this next encounter. (Hint: it won’t end well.) Let’s read ch 23 in three sections, answering questions after reading each section. Acts 23: 1-11 Read all of Paul’s speech before this gathered body of Jewish leaders. 1. Speaking truth to power is dangerous and can result in injury. Paul starts with a statement about his long-standing faithfulness to the God of Israel. This results in an order by the high priest, Ananias, for Paul to be struck on the mouth. This is the third person named Ananias we encounter in Acts - all 3 are different persons, and the first time we encounter this one. Things will go downhill fast. (Previous meetings of the high priest’s council have also ended poorly in Acts - Peter’s audience with them results in a flogging (Acts 8) and Stephen’s visit ends up in his death. 2. Paul’s defense centers on his “hope of the resurrection of the dead.” Since Sadducees don’t believe there is one, this will pit them against the Pharisees, who seem to grant Paul sort of an acquittal. But this only stirs things up more! Fearing for Paul’s life (they want to tear him limb from limb), the Roman tribune hauls Paul back to the safety of the barracks, once again saving his life. Paul was shut out of the temple in 21:30 and now has to reside with Roman soldiers, foreigners, to survive. 3. And where are the other disciples, any other disciples, any supporters of Paul? The angels in heaven could be holding their breath again - is this the point when Christianity comes crashing down? Is Paul’s ministry ending in failure? 4. And look who shows up in v11 - “the Lord.” We’re not sure exactly how this visit worked, but like on the Road to Damascus, Paul receives another heavenly visit, which is super timely, for various reasons. Paul is encouraged that he will not die here. In fact, he is assured (from what he “resolved in the Spirit,” back in 19:21) that he will make it to Rome one day to testify about Christ before the Emperor. It shows us that God, indeed, does know what is going on. It shows that God is the one who provides for our needs. It encourages us to call on God for aid, and that God listens. But Paul’s not out of danger… Acts 23: 12-22 Read about a Plot to Kill Paul 1. Now, 40 Jewish leaders take an oath to kill Paul and concoct a plan. Look to see how God will thwart it. 2. Paul is saved by none other than his unnamed nephew, the son of Paul’s sister, who then reveals their scheme to the tribune. Acts 23: 23-35 A Crafty Exit, to Caesarea and Governor Felix 1. This tribune again proves himself worthy of the title. Note the show of force in keeping Paul (the Roman citizen) safe. Note the letter he writes to Governor Felix in Caesarea. Here, we finally learn his name - Claudius Lysias. He writes Felix that Paul “was accused concerning questions of their law, but was charged with nothing deserving death or imprisonment.” 2. This army of 470 soldiers march Paul out of Jerusalem overnight, headed to Antipatris, about 35 miles outside of Jerusalem, and arrive the next morning. Paul is now safe from the plotters, so the infantry returns home and the calvary continues on with Paul the remaining 27 miles to Caesarea, on the coast, where Paul is kept under guard by Felix, the Governor of Judea, in Herod’s headquarters there, awaiting the arrival of his accusers (Ananias). Lysias has gotten Paul one step closer to Rome, and separated from Jerusalem for the last time. Thus, at each step in his journey to Rome, Paul does so as a prisoner, yet he is never depicted by the Romans as deserving imprisonment. Lysias has verified that this is a Jewish matter. Ironically, while the Jews accuse Paul of breaking their laws, by trying to murder him (3 times) they are, in fact, breaking their own law. Paul’s mistreatment in court seems unusually relevant this week, as images of protests, at times violent, but mainly peaceful, have filled the news. Streaming services are offering movies such as Hidden Figures, Just Mercy, Selma, Marshall, The Help, Green Book, Emanuel, and many others for free this month. Take advantage of this, and watch a movie that you may have heard about but haven’t seen. .

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